The spectrum of zoonotic illness varies from skin eruptions or mild, self-limiting infections easily misdiagnosed as human influenza to serious, life-threatening disease. Some zoonoses can affect healthy people, whereas others are primarily found in individuals with debilitating illnesses and other conditions that compromise immunity. Zoonoses that are mild or asymptomatic in healthy hosts can be serious illnesses or have unusual presentations in those who are immunocompromised. In some cases, a suppressed immune response may also slow diagnosis if common tests rely on serology.

Primary immunodeficiencies, which are congenital defects, may affect humoral or cell-mediated immunity, or both. Some primary immunodeficiencies increase susceptibility to a single category of pathogens, while others broadly suppress defenses. Some may remain unnoticed except as an unusual susceptibility to certain illnesses, whereas others are obvious from infancy. Secondary immunodeficiencies can be caused by any acquired condition that compromises the immune system. Examples include splenectomy, diseases that affect metabolism (eg, diabetes), illnesses such as cancer that result in generalized debilitation, and infections such as malaria or AIDS. Some illnesses, such as chronic lung disease, can increase susceptibility by affecting innate (nonspecific) defenses. Injuries and burns can compromise the skin defenses that prevent pathogens from entering the body, as can indwelling catheters and implanted medical devices. Drugs can suppress immunity as an intended effect (eg, drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases or prevent rejection in organ transplant patients) or as an adverse effect. Some drugs used in cancer chemotherapy are highly immunosuppressive. (Also see Immunologic Diseases.)

Physiologic states can also affect immunity. The immune system is relatively immature in newborns and young children, and it declines in older adults. Pregnancy may result in risks to the mother, the fetus, or both. For example, in some geographic locations, the case fatality rate for hepatitis E is ~1% in the general population but may reach 20% among pregnant women. Other pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii, may severely damage the fetus while remaining mild in the mother.

Test your
knowledge

Merck and the Merck Veterinary Manual

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America.